FIVE ADDITIONAL REFERENCE POINTS COMMON TO THE ZAPRUDER AND HUGHES FILMS CONFIRM THE VALIDITY OF SYNCHRONIZING HUGHES FRAME H648 TO ZAPRUDER FRAME Z150

Five additional reference points common to both the Zapruder and Hughes films – all of which provide a means of independently synchronizing the two films – validate and confirm the synchronization of Hughes frame H648 to Zapruder frame Z150 (+/- one frame), thus providing corroboration for the accuracy of this conclusion. These five validating synchronizations are the result of an analysis of the trajectory and speed of the presidential limousine, Camera Car 1, Camera Car 2, Dallas police motorcyclist Marion L. Baker, and eyewitness Rosemary Willis, as depicted in the nine amateur films listed earlier.

The methods and processes used to identify the synchronization point between the Hughes and Zapruder films in the instances listed are as follows:

(SEC-1) The trajectory and speed of the presidential limousine as depicted in the Tina Towner film is consistent with Hughes frame H648 synchronizing to Zapruder frame Z150.

An amateur 8mm film made by Tina Towner, who was standing at the southwest corner of Elm and Houston, depicts the presidential limousine as it turned from Houston onto Elm Street shortly before the assassination. A study of this film was undertaken to determine how the Towner film synchronized to other films taken during this same period and whether that synchronization was consistent with the hypothesis that Hughes frame H648 was the equivalent of Zapruder frame Z150.

The Tina Towner film consists of 1 pre-assassination sequence and 1 post assassination sequence, totaling 286 frames. The one pre-assassination sequence is the focus of this analysis. This sequence depicts the presidential limousine turning from Houston onto Elm Street and continuing a short distance down Elm. It contains a total of 160 frames, identified as Towner frames T001 through T160. There are no camera stops and 1 splice during this sequence.

Computer models and composite frames were used to determine the speed and trajectory of the presidential limousine, and thus determine how much time is missing due to the film splice. The single splice at T084-T085 was subsequently identified as having 7 frames missing. [Exhibit 24]

A careful comparison of scenes depicted in the Towner, Dorman, Bell, Hughes and Zapruder films – in particular, the speed at which the presidential limousine was traveling – demonstrates that the Towner camera was running at an average speed of 22.8 frames/sec, relative to Zapruder’s camera. [118]

Two films and one photograph depict Tina Towner’s location at the time her film was made – films by Elsie Dorman and Abraham Zapruder; and a still photograph taken by Hugh Betzner. [The Betzner photograph was the second in a series of black and white photos he took that day. [119] Tina Towner’s precise position at the corner of Elm and Houston was determined by cross plotting Dorman, Zapruder, and Betzner’s lines of sight of Towner on a computer model of Dealey Plaza. [120] A virtual camera was then placed at the position indicated, and the camera’s settings adjusted to match Towner’s field-of-view, as depicted in her film.

A computer model of the presidential limousine was then incorporated into the scene and motion matched to precisely track the motion of the president’s limousine as depicted in the Towner film. Key frames were established at Towner frames T006, T032, T070, T088, and T160. The limousine’s position was fixed at each specified frame by plotting a line-of-sight between Towner’s camera and one of several fixed objects in Dealey Plaza, and aligning the limousine model to that line-of-sight. [Exhibit 25]

Four additional virtual cameras were created to match the position and field-of-view of four other amateur film makers – Elsie Dorman, F.M. “Mark” Bell, John Martin, and Robert Hughes. These additional vantage points, which show the presidential limousine (Bell, Martin, and Hughes) and Towner filming (Dorman) during this period, make it possible to precisely align these four additional films with the Towner sequence.

Finally, a sixth virtual camera, depicting the field-of-view of Abraham Zapruder’s camera was added to the computer model to establish the relationship between the Towner sequence and the Zapruder film.

Using these six films – Towner, Dorman, Bell, Martin, Hughes and Zapruder – to triangulate the trajectory and speed of the presidential limousine, it was determined that:

(a) The first frame of the Towner pre-assassination sequence (T001) synchronizes to Hughes frame H526; and the last frame of the Towner sequence (T160) synchronizes to Hughes frame H622. [Exhibit 26]

(b) The presidential limousine was found to be traveling at 6.8 mph as the Towner sequence begins; increased to 7.1 mph; increased speed to 7.9 mph as it passed the front entrance of the Texas School Book Depository, and further accelerated to 9.2 mph as the sequence ends.

These calculated speeds are consistent with those depicted in and calculated from the Dorman, Bell, Martin, Hughes and Zapruder films. [Exhibit 27]

(c) Towner frame T138 synchronizes with Bell frame B059 as demonstrated by the position of the
presidential limousine, which can be fixed by projecting a line of sight from both camera positions through the left rear wheel of the limousine.

This can be determined as follows: The speed of the presidential limousine during the last moments of the Towner sequence (T088 to T160) was determined to be 13.50 feet/sec (9.2 mph). The speed of the limousine between Zapruder frames Z150 and Z175 was determined to be 15.33 feet/sec (10.5 mph). Computer models show that the distance traversed by the limousine between Towner frame T160 and Zapruder frame Z150 was 24.96 feet. If the limousine was moving at a speed of 14.42 feet/sec (9.8 mph), the computed average of the two known speeds of 9.2 and 10.5 mph, the limousine would have covered the 24.96-foot distance in 1.73 seconds. This is the equivalent of 32 Zapruder frames (1.73 X 18.3 = 32). Subtracting 32 frames from Z150 yields the hypothetical Zapruder frame Z118; [121] or, 0.82 seconds before Zapruder frame Z133. [Exhibit 29 & 30]

In conclusion, the four calculations above demonstrate that the trajectory and speed of the presidential limousine as depicted in the Towner film, is consistent with the speed of the limousine as seen in the Hughes, Dorman, Bell, Martin, and Zapruder films. The ability to motion track the position of the limousine using computer models and thus synchronize all five films under discussion again proves that Hughes frame H648 synchronizes to Zapruder frame Z150.

(SEC-2) The trajectory and speed of the Camera Car 1 (the tenth car in the motorcade) as depicted in the Robert Hughes film is consistent with Hughes frame H648 synchronizing to Zapruder frame Z150.

An amateur 8mm film made my Robert J.E. Hughes Jr., who was standing in the intersection at Main and Houston, depicts the presidential limousine as it turned from Main onto Houston; proceeds north to Elm; and turns from Houston onto Elm Street shortly before the assassination. The parade of motorcade vehicles trailing the presidential limousine is also seen in the Hughes film. A study of the movements of Camera Car 1 (the tenth car in the motorcade) was undertaken to determine if those movements were consistent with the hypothesis that Hughes frame H648 was the equivalent of Zapruder frame Z150.

The Robert Hughes film consists of 18 sequences, 8 pre-assassination and 10 post assassination scenes. Sequence 5 is the first that depicts the presidential limousine, which appears on Main Street, approaching the Houston Street corner. Sequences 6, 7 and 8 depict the limousine as it turns from Main onto Houston, travels north on Houston, and turns onto Elm Street. These three sequences cover frames H259 through H680 and are the focus of this study. There are 3 camera stops and 2 splices between these two points.

The camera stops are easily identified in all films by a break in the action accompanied by a single, slightly over exposed frame (the result of the camera mechanism taking a fraction of a second to reach operating speed, thereby causing the first frame to be exposed to light longer than normal) marking the beginning of the sequence that follows the camera stop. Splices are also easily identified in all films by a break in the action accompanied by a splice line and artifacts (i.e., bubbles, discoloring, etc.) which are the result of taping or gluing two film ends together. [Exhibit 31]

A careful comparison of scenes depicted in the Hughes and Zapruder films – in particular, the speed at which motorcade vehicles common to both films are traveling – demonstrates that the Hughes camera was operating at a speed equal to Zapruder’s camera – an average of 18.3 frames/second. For all Hughes camera computations, the 18.3 frames/second figure was used.

Computer models were used to examine the speed and trajectory of the motorcade vehicles, and thus determine how much time elapsed between camera stops and how much time is missing due to film splices. The three camera stops were subsequently identified as H525-H526 (131 frame stop); H613-H614 (37 frame stop); and H630-H631 (6 frame stop). The two splices were identified as H315-H316 (3 missing frames), and H648-H649 (3 missing frames).

Robert Hughes’ precise position in the middle of the intersection of Main and Houston was determined by matching the Hughes camera’s field-of-view with a computer model of Dealey Plaza. This was accomplished by using a technique known as triangulation, [See Triangulation] which involved creating a virtual camera, placing it into a computer model of Dealey Plaza, and making adjustments to the virtual camera’s six degrees of movement until the camera’s view of the computer model matched the Hughes film frame-for-frame. Using this method, Hughes’ location was determined to be 8.83 feet south of the center line of Main Street and 15.5 feet west of the center line of Houston Street.

A second virtual camera, matching Zapruder’s field-of-view, was also added to the computer model of Dealey Plaza.

Using the Hughes and Zapruder films, as well as measurements obtained from a computer model of Dealey Plaza, it was possible to triangulate the trajectory and speed of Camera Car 1, and thus, synchronize the two films. The results show that:

(a) Camera Car 1’s estimated speed as it turned from Main onto Houston Street was calculated to be 11.56 feet/second (7.9 mph).

Since Camera Car 1 is not visible in the Hughes film making the turn in question, the speed of the Camera Car 1 was based on an average obtained from the two vehicles trailing immediately behind it – Camera Cars 2 and 3. The speeds of those two trailing vehicles were determined by counting the number of frames it took for both vehicles to traverse their own length. All three camera cars were 1964 Chevrolet Impalas which had an overall length of 209.9 inches (17.5 feet). [122] Camera Car 2 was found to be traveling at 10.35 feet/second (7.1 mph) between Hughes frames H614-H639; [Exhibit 32] and Camera Car 3 was found to be traveling at 12.77 feet/second (8.7 mph) between Hughes frames H618-H637. [Exhibit 33] The average of these two speeds (7.9 mph) was applied to Camera Car 1.

An enlarged and stabilized Zapruder film sequence was created for this analysis. Camera Car 1 is visible above the concrete wall in the background of Zapruder frame sequence Z213-Z236. During that period, Camera Car 1 – a 1964 Chevrolet Impala – traverses its own overall length of 17.5 feet in 23 frames. [Exhibit 34] Dividing the speed of the Zapruder camera (18.3 frames/second) into the frame count yields a time of 1.26 seconds. This calculates to a speed of 13.89 feet/second (9.5 mph).

(c) A computer model of the position of Camera Car 1 at Hughes frame H648 and Zapruder frame Z214 shows that it traverses a distance of 44.54 feet.

A computer model of Camera Car 1 was positioned to match Hughes frame H648 by noting the vehicle’s relationship to a line-of-sight drawn between Hughes’ camera and the southwest corner of the Dal-Tex Building. A computer model of Camera Car 1 was also positioned to match Zapruder frame Z214 by noting the vehicle’s relationship to a line of sight drawn between Zapruder’s camera and the tree trunk in the northern-most planter box adjacent to the reflecting pool. [Exhibit 35] The distance between these two positions (rear bumper-to-rear bumper) was measured at 44.54 feet.

The estimated speed of Camera Car 1 during this period was an average speed calculated from Camera Car 1’s initial speed on Houston Street of 11.56 feet/second (7.9 mph) [See (a) above.] and its known speed between Zapruder frames Z213-Z236 of 13.89 feet/second (9.5 mph). Dividing the distance of 44.54 feet by the estimated speed of 12.73 feet/second (8.7 mph) yields a time period of 3.5 seconds. [Exhibit 36]

In conclusion, the four calculations above demonstrate that Camera Car 1 would have traversed the 44.54-foot distance between its known positions at Hughes frame H648 and Zapruder frame Z214 in 3.5 seconds. This time period is equal to 64 Zapruder frames (3.5 x 18.3 = 64). Consequently, Hughes frame H648 is the equivalent of Zapruder frame Z150 (Z214 – 64 = Z150).

(SEC-3) The trajectory and speed of the Camera Car 2 (the eleventh car in the motorcade) as depicted in the Robert Hughes film is consistent with Hughes frame H648 synchronizing to Zapruder frame Z150.

A study of the movements of Camera Car 2 (the eleventh car in the motorcade) was undertaken to determine if those movements were consistent with the hypothesis that Hughes frame H648 was the equivalent of Zapruder frame Z150.

For a complete description of the Robert Hughes film, the camera running speed, and method of resolving Hughes’ camera position, see SEC-2.

A virtual camera matching the position and field-of-view of the Hughes camera was placed into a computer model of Dealey Plaza. [See SEC-2, above for the complete methodology.] A second virtual camera, matching the Zapruder camera’s field-of-view, was also added to the computer model.

Using the Hughes and Zapruder films, as well as measurements obtained from a computer model of Dealey Plaza, it was possible to triangulate the trajectory and speed of Camera Car 2, and thus, synchronize the two films. The results show that:

(a) Camera Car 2’s speed as it turned from Main onto Houston Street was calculated to be 10.35 feet/second (7.1 mph).

Camera Car 2 was a 1964 Chevrolet Impala which had an overall length of 209.9 inches (17.5 feet). [123] Camera Car 2 was found to traverse its own overall length (17.5 feet) between Hughes frames H614-H639 – a total of 31 frames. Dividing the speed of the Hughes camera (18.3 frames/second) into the frame count yields a time of 1.69 seconds. This calculates to a speed of 10.35 feet/second (7.1 mph). [See Exhibit 32]

An enlarged and stabilized Zapruder film sequence was created for this analysis. Camera Car 2 appears above the concrete wall in the background of Zapruder sequence Z229-Z253. During that period, Camera Car 2 traverses its own overall length of 17.5 feet in 24 frames. Dividing the speed of the Zapruder camera (18.3 frames/second) into the frame count yields a time of 1.31 seconds. This calculates to a speed of 13.36 feet/second (9.1 mph) [Exhibit 37]

(c) A computer model of the position of Camera Car 2 at Hughes frame H648 and Zapruder frame Z235 shows that it traverses a distance of 55 feet.

A computer model of Camera Car 2 was positioned to match Hughes frame H648 by
noting the vehicle’s relationship to a line-of-sight drawn between Hughes’ camera and the northwest corner of the Records Building. A computer model of Camera Car 2 was also
positioned to match Zapruder frame Z235 by noting the vehicle’s relationship to a line-of-sight drawn between Zapruder’s camera and the northwest corner of the County Courthouse Building. [Exhibit 38] The distance between these two positions (rear bumper-to-rear bumper) was measured at 55 feet.

The estimated speed of Camera Car 2 during this period was an average speed calculated from Camera Car 2’s initial speed on Houston Street of 10.35 feet/second (7.1 mph) [See (a) above.] and its speed between Zapruder frames Z229-Z253 of 13.36 feet/second (9.1 mph). [See (b) above.] Dividing the distance of 55 feet by the estimated speed of 11.86 feet/second (8.1 mph) yields a time period of 4.64 seconds. [Exhibit 39]

In conclusion, the four calculations above demonstrate that Camera Car 2 would have traversed the 55-foot distance between its known positions at Hughes frame H648
and Zapruder frame Z235 in 4.64 seconds. This time period is equal to 85 Zapruder frames (4.64 X 18.3 = 85). Consequently, Hughes frame H648 is the equivalent of Zapruder frame Z150 (Z235 – 85 = Z150).

(SEC-4) The trajectory and speed of the Dallas police officer Marion L. Baker’s motorcycle as depicted in the Robert Hughes and Abraham Zapruder films is consistent with Hughes frame H648 synchronizing to Zapruder frame Z150.

A study of the movements of Dallas police officer Marion L. Baker’s motorcycle was undertaken to determine if those movements were consistent with the hypothesis that Hughes frame H648 was the equivalent of Zapruder frame Z150.

For a complete description of the Robert Hughes film, the camera running speed, and method of resolving Hughes’ position, see SEC-2.

A virtual camera matching the position and field-of-view of the Hughes camera was placed into a computer model of Dealey Plaza. [See SEC-2, for the complete methodology.] A second virtual camera, matching Zapruder’s field-of-view, was also added to the computer model.

Using the Hughes and Zapruder films, as well as measurements obtained from a computer model of Dealey Plaza, it was possible to triangulate the trajectory and speed of Dallas police officer Marion L. Baker’s motorcycle, and thus, synchronize the two films. The results show that:

A computer model of Officer Baker’s motorcycle was positioned to match Hughes frame H648 by noting the motorcycle’s relationship to a line-of-sight drawn between Hughes’ camera and the windows on the west wall of the Dallas County Courthouse building. A computer model of the motorcycle was also positioned to match Hughes frame H680 by noting the motorcycle’s relationship to a line-of-sight drawn between Hughes’ camera and the opening at the side entrance to the county jail (located between the Records and County Courthouse buildings). [Exhibit 40] The distance between these two positions (Hughes frames H648-H680) was measured at 19.5 feet. Baker traversed this distance over the course of 35 frames. [124] Dividing the speed of the Hughes camera (18.3 frames/second) into the frame count yields a time of 1.9 seconds. This calculates to a speed of 10.26 feet/second (7.0 mph). [Exhibit 41]

An enlarged and stabilized version of Zapruder frame sequence Z241-255 reveals a motorcycle moving north on Houston Street. [Exhibit 42] The left-rear white saddle bag of the motorcycle is clearly seen trailing Camera Car 2, the eleventh vehicle of the motorcade. The front wheel of the motorcycle is obscured by Camera Car 2, while the engine and rider appear as a soft, black blur. The top portion of the motorcycle, including the rider, is cropped by the top of the film frame.

Computer models of a motorcycle was positioned to match both Zapruder frames Z241 and Z255 by noting the motorcycle’s relationship to a line-of-sight drawn between Zapruder’s camera and the windows at the base of the west wall of the Dallas County Courthouse building. [Exhibit 43] The distance between these two positions (Zapruder frames Z241-Z255) was measured at 9.78 feet. The motorcycle traversed this distance over the course of 14 frames. Dividing the speed of the Zapruder camera (18.3 frames/second) into the frame count yields a time of 0.77 seconds. This calculates to a speed of 12.7 feet/second (8.7 mph). [Exhibit 44]

Only two motorcycle officers were in the area of Camera Car 2 during the motorcade: Marion L. Baker and H.B. McLain. It is believed that the subject motorcycle was ridden by Officer Baker. There are three reasons for this determination:

(i) The Hughes film shows Officer Baker in the position of the subject motorcycle.

The Hughes film, which depicts the procession entering Dealey Plaza, shows Baker riding between Camera Car 2 and 3, about one car length ahead of McLain, and in the same position as the subject motorcycle seen in the stabilized Zapruder sequence. [Exhibit 45] Baker’s position relative to Camera Car 2 and 3 is best seen in a 3D stereo view anaglyph [125] prepared from two adjoining frames of the Hughes film. [Exhibit 46]

(ii) Baker’s speed, as seen in the Hughes film, is consistent with the speed of the motorcycle seen in the Zapruder film sequence.

It was determined that Officer Baker was traveling at 7.0 mph between Hughes frames H648-H680. [See (a) above.] A computer-assisted geometric analysis of Zapruder frames Z241-Z255 shows the subject motorcycle traveling at a speed of 8.7 mph. [See (b) above.] Both of these speeds are consistent with the increase in speed of the motorcade in general, and Camera Car 2 in particular. For instance, a computer analysis of the movements of Camera Car 2 show it traveling at 7.1 mph between Hughes frames H614-H639, the same relative speed of Officer Baker at that time. In addition, Camera Car 2 was also found to have been moving at 9.1 mph between Z229 and Z253, which also is the same relative speed of the subject motorcycle at that time.

(iii) The trajectory of the subject motorcycle in the Zapruder film sequence is a continuation of Officer Baker’s projected path as seen in the Hughes film.

Officer Baker is seen traveling north on Houston Street between Hughes frames H648-H680 at 10.26 feet/second (7.0 mph). [See (a) above] The subject motorcycle is found to traverse Zapruder frames Z241-255 at a speed of 12.7 feet/second (8.7 mph). Geometric analysis shows that the distance between Baker’s last known position, as seen in the Hughes film at H680, and the subject motorcycle’s position at Zapruder frame Z241 is 35.13 feet. If Baker continues accelerating, from 7.0 mph to 8.7 mph, as he travels north on Houston, he will traverse the 35.13 feet in 3.06 seconds at an average speed of 7.8 mph. [See Exhibit 48] A computer-assisted geometric analysis of Camera Car 2 shows it traveling at an average speed of 8.1 mph during this period. Both Baker and Camera Car 2’s projected speeds are consistent with the conclusion that the subject motorcycle that appears in Zapruder frames Z241-255 is, in fact, Officer Baker.

(c) A computer model of the position of Officer Baker’s motorcycle at Hughes frame H680 and Zapruder frame Z241 shows that it traverses a distance of 35.13 feet.

A computer model of Officer Baker’s motorcycle was positioned to match Hughes frame H680 by noting the motorcycle’s relationship to a line-of-sight drawn between Hughes’ camera and the opening at the side entrance to the county jail (located between the Records and County Courthouse buildings). A computer model of the motorcycle was also positioned to match Zapruder frame Z241 by noting the motorcycle’s relationship to a line-of-sight drawn between Zapruder’s camera and the windows at the base of the west wall of the Dallas County Courthouse building. [Exhibit 47] The distance between these two positions was measured at 35.13 feet.

The estimated speed of Officer Baker’s motorcycle between Hughes frame H680 and Zapruder frame Z241 was an average speed calculated from Baker’s initial speed on Houston Street of 10.26 feet/second (7.0 mph) [See (a) above.] and his speed between Zapruder frames Z241-Z255 of 12.7 feet/second (8.7 mph). [See (b) above.] Dividing the distance of 35.13 feet by the estimated speed of 11.48 feet/second (7.8 mph) yields a time period of 3.06 seconds.

In conclusion, the four calculations above demonstrate that Officer Baker’s motorcycle would have traversed the 35.13-foot distance between its known positions at Hughes frame H680 and Zapruder frame Z241 in 3.06 seconds. This time period is equal to 56 Zapruder frames (3.06 X 18.3 = 56). [Exhibit 48] Thus, Hughes frame H680 is the equivalent of Zapruder frame Z185. Since, the difference between Hughes frames H648 and H680 is 35 frames (including spliced frames), Hughes frame H648 is the equivalent of Zapruder frame Z150 (Z185 – 35 = Z150).

(SEC-5) The trajectory and speed of eyewitness Rosemary Willis as depicted in the Elsie Dorman, Mark Bell, John Martin, and Abraham Zapruder films is consistent with Hughes frame H648 synchronizing to Zapruder frame Z150.

A study of the movements of eyewitness Rosemary Willis was undertaken to determine if those movements were consistent with the hypothesis that Hughes frame H648 is the equivalent of Zapruder frame Z150.

Rosemary Willis, age 10, the youngest daughter of assassination eyewitness Phil Willis, can be seen running alongside the presidential limousine in four amateur films – Elsie Dorman, Mark Bell, John Martin, and Abraham Zapruder. Ms. Willis is easily identified by a red dress and a white hooded jacket. [126]

A computer model of Dealey Plaza was utilized to track the movements of Rosemary Willis, as depicted in the Dorman, Bell, Martin, and Zapruder films.

The Elsie Dorman film consists of 5 sequences; 3 pre-assassination, 1 during the shooting, and 1 post assassination. Sequence 1 is the first that depicts the presidential limousine, which appears turning from Main onto Houston Street. Sequences 2 and 3 depict the limousine heading north on Houston and making the turn onto Elm Street. Sequence 4 depicts spectators standing on the south side of Elm Street as well as a glimpse of the Vice Presidential car and its Secret Service follow-up car. Sequence 5 depicts a glimpse of Mayor Cabell’s car, spectators at the corner of southwest corner of Elm and Houston Streets, and two congressional cars and a motorcycle officer approaching the Houston and Elm Street intersection. The five sequence film contains a total of 496 frames. The third sequence (D192-D335) is the one depicting Rosemary Willis running along the south side of Elm Street and is the focus of this study. The frame rate of the Dorman camera, relative to Zapruder’s camera, was determined to be 16.8 frames per second.

The F.M. “Mark” Bell film consists of 14 sequences; 3 pre-assassination and 11 post assassination. The third sequence depicts the presidential limousine passing in front of the Texas School Book Depository after turning from Houston onto Elm Street, and shows Rosemary Willis running alongside the south side of Elm Street. This sequence was numbered B001 through B060 and is the focus of this study. The frame rate of the Bell camera, relative to Zapruder’s camera, was determined to be 19.0 frames per second.

The John Martin, Jr., film, as incorporated into the Dallas Cinema Associates (DCA) film, “President Kennedy’s Final Hour,” consists of 9 sequences; 6 pre-assassination and 3 post assassination. Sequence 1 depicts the lead motorcycles turning from Main Street onto Houston Street. Sequence 2 and Sequence 3 depicts the lead vehicle driven by Dallas Police Chief Jesse Curry turning from Main onto Houston Street. Sequences 4 and 5 depict the presidential limousine turning off of Main Street and traveling north on Houston Street. Sequence 6 (MN207-MN278), the focus of this study, depicts the presidential limousine passing in front of the Texas School Book Depository, and eyewitness Rosemary Willis running alongside the south side of Elm Street. Sequences 7, 8, and 9 depict events in Dealey Plaza following the assassination. The frame rate of the Martin camera, relative to Zapruder’s camera, was determined to be 22.8 frames per second.

During Zapruder frames Z133-Z180, Rosemary Willis can be seen running long the south side of Elm Street. She comes to a stop between Z180-Z200 [127] and disappears into the margins of the film at Z223 as Zapruder pans his camera right. Zapruder frames Z133 to Z142 are the focus of this study.

Through visual inspection it was determined that the third sequence in both the Dorman and Bell films, and the sixth sequence in the Martin film, capture portions of the same period of time from three different angles. All three film sequences depict Rosemary Willis as she runs passed the concrete wall rimming the reflection pool on the south side of Elm Street.

The Zapruder film captures a continuation of Rosemary Willis’ progression down Elm Street at a point in time slightly later than that shown in the Dorman/Bell/Martin sequences. Determining how much time passed, if any, between the Dorman/Bell/Martin sequences and the Zapruder sequence, and whether that time period was consistent with Hughes frame H648 synchronizing to Zapruder frame Z150, was the goal of this study.

To begin, four virtual cameras matching the positions and field-of-views of the Dorman, Bell, Martin, and Zapruder cameras were placed into a computer model of Dealey Plaza. [See SEC-2, for the complete methodology.]

The trajectory and speed of Rosemary Willis as she ran along the south side of Elm Street was determined by triangulating her position at various points along her route using a computer model of Dealey Plaza and the Dorman, Bell, Martin, and Zapruder films as reference. The results show that:

Projecting lines-of-sight from the Dorman and Bell camera positions through Rosemary Willis’ position (as determined from Dorman frames D276, 282, 299, and 308 and Bell frames B024, 031, 050, and 060), [Exhibit 49] allowed her precise location to be plotted on the computer model at the frames specified. It was determined that her path was in the shape of an arc that ran adjacent to the concrete wall rimming the reflection pool. It was also determined that she traversed the 20.45 foot distance between Dorman/Bell frames D276-B024 and D308-B060 at an average speed of 9.51 feet/second (6.5 mph). [Exhibit 50]

(b) Between Zapruder frames Z133 and Z142, Rosemary Willis traversed a 6.29 foot shadowed area at a speed of 12.84 feet/second (8.8 mph).

Visual inspection of a stabilized version of Zapruder frame sequence Z133-Z142 demonstrates that Ms. Willis is seen entering a shadowed area cast by the bush and concrete wall to her left at Zapruder frame Z133, and that by Z142 she begins to exit this same shadowed area. [Exhibit 51] The subject shadowed area also appears in the Dorman film. Multiple Dorman frames were used to create a mosaic image, which illustrated the precise location of the shadowed area. [Exhibit 52] Using the Dorman camera position, this mosaic image was then projected onto the computer model of Dealey Plaza producing a three dimensional outline of the shadowed area. The computer model shows this shadowed area to be 6.29 feet in width. Dividing the width of the shadow (6.29 feet) by the time period Rosemary Willis took to traverse it (0.49 seconds) shows her speed between Zapruder frames Z133-Z142 to be 12.84 feet/second (8.8 mph). [Exhibit 53]

This speed was determined by examining the John Martin, Jr., film which captures the moment in question. Martin’s camera position was determined by plotting Martin’s field-of-view on a computer model of Dealey Plaza. [Exhibit 54] The camera position was found to be just east of the reflecting pool approximately 139.8 feet north of the north Main Street curb line.

Martin frame MN229 was found to be the equivalent of Dorman/Bell frames D308-B060 – all three frames depicting Rosemary Willis in the same position in front of the concrete retaining wall. This was determined by plotting a line-of-sight from Martin’s camera through Ms. Willis’ position at Dorman/Bell D308-B060 [See, SEC-5 (a), p.78] and extending that line north until it intersected the south wall of the Texas School Book Depository. The frame at which Ms. Willis passed through this plotted line-of-sight was Martin frame MN229. This synchronization demonstrates that sequence six of the Martin film slightly overlaps the beginning of the Zapruder film; ending at the equivalent of Zapruder frame Z140.

Martin film frame MN269 was found to be the equivalent of Zapruder frame Z133 – which depicts Rosemary Willis entering the shadowed area cast by the bush and concrete wall to her left. This was determined by plotting a second line-of-sight from Martin’s camera through Ms. Willis’ position at Zapruder frame Z133. [See, SEC-5 (b)] The frame at which Ms. Willis passed through this plotted line-of-sight was Martin frame MN269.

Dividing the distance between Dorman/Bell/Martin D308-B060-MN229 and Zapruder/Martin Z133-MN269 (19.0 feet) by the time required to traverse this distance (1.75 seconds), as depicted in Martin MN229 to MN269, results in a trajectory speed of 10.86 feet/sec (7.4 mph).

This is consistent with an estimated speed which can be deduced without the benefit of the Martin film by averaging Ms. Willis’ known speed at Dorman/Bell D308-B060 (6.5 mph) and her known speed at Zapruder frames Z133-Z142 (8.8 mph). The result is an average speed of 11.18 feet/second (7.6 mph).

(d) Rosemary Willis traversed the 19.0-foot distance between her last known position at Dorman/Bell/Martin D308-B060-MN229 and her position at Zapruder/Martin Z133-MN269 in approximately 1.75 seconds; consistent with the hypothesis that Hughes frame H648 is the equivalent of Zapruder frame Z150.

The computer model shows the distance between Ms. Willis’ last cross-plotted position (Dorman/Bell/Martin frames D308-B060-MN229) and the shadowed area she enters at Zapruder/Martin frame Z133-MN269 to be 19.0 feet. At the estimated speed of 10.86 feet/second (7.4 mph), Rosemary Willis would have traversed the 19.0 foot distance in 1.75 seconds; a figure consistent with the independent synchronization of the Dorman, Bell, Towner, and Zapruder films. [Exhibit 55]

The analysis of Rosemary Willis’ movements demonstrate that the Dorman, Bell, and Martin cameras were running concurrently during the time the presidential limousine passed in front of the Texas School Book Depository. All three films capture Rosemary Willis as she ran alongside the limousine. A fourth film – the Towner film – depicts the limousine itself during this same period.

The synchronization of the Hughes, Dorman, Towner, Bell, and Martin films to the Zapruder film demonstrates that these five films capture the motorcade’s progression during the period 3.64 to 1.74 seconds prior to the exposure of Zapruder frame Z133. [See Appendix III, Amateur Film Synchronization Timeline]

As shown above, Martin frames MN229-MN269 depict Rosemary Willis traversing the 19.0-foot distance between Martin frame MN229 and Zapruder frame Z133 in 1.75 seconds at a speed of 10.86 feet/sec (7.4 mph). This is consistent with the independent synchronization of the Hughes, Dorman, Towner, Bell and Zapruder films.

Thus, the movements of Ms. Willis, as seen in Martin frames MN229-MN269 and Zapruder frames Z133-Z142 (her gait is 5 to 6 frames apart at MN256, 262, 267 and Z133, 136, 142), prove to be a continuation of her movements as depicted in Dorman/Bell frames D276-B024 to D308-B060; and further demonstrate the validity of the synchronization of Hughes frame H648 to Zapruder frame Z150.

Gary Mack, curator of the Sixth Floor Museum, supervised the video transfer of the original Towner film and reported that it required a higher playback rate than other amateur films transferred by the museum. The rate used for the museum transfer was determined to be 20.2 frames-per-second. [Telephone conversation with Gary Mack, February 12, 2003 (Note: The Boston transfer facility utilized a variable speed projector capable of adjusting the playback speed +/- 10% of the standard setting of 18 fps. This allowed playback speeds of approximately 16 to 20 frames per second. Mack reported that the Towner film didn’t “look right” until
pushed to approximately 20 fps. Asked if he had pushed the speed to 24 fps to see if it looked better, Mack said he couldn’t recall, but he didn’t think so.)] [RETURN]

Towner’s position in the Zapruder film was deduced by comparing the crowd at the corner of Elm and Houston as seen in a pre-assassination sequence with other films and photographs of the same area. [RETURN]

This is a hypothetical Zapruder frame used for reference only and simply provides a means of measuring time prior to Z133, the first frame depicting the presidential limousine. [RETURN]

Rosemary Willis recalled hearing three shots coming from the direction the Texas School Book Depository, adding, “I stopped when I heard the first shot.” (Trask, Richard B., Pictures of the Pain, Yeoman Press, 1994, p.65) [RETURN]